Brake Pad Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Davenport IA
Brake Pad Question
So I have a question I wasn't able to find when I did a search on brake pads.
I normally do all my automotive shopping for my daily drivers at Autozone, but I haven't had to do much with my good cars. I'm thinking my CTS-V may need some new pads at some point, and my C5 has 50k miles so will probably need new pads as well.
I know everyone loves hawk pads, but I don't do any tracking, my cars are for fun transportation and spirited weekend driving only.
Will I be fine going with the autozone Duralast Gold semi/mettalic pads? Are they at least as good as OEM pads? They are the best autozone offers, but are cheaper then my dealership (but what isn't). The Hawk pads were going to cost me $180 for my V and the autozoners are $76.
Any help????
Thanks,
Jay
I normally do all my automotive shopping for my daily drivers at Autozone, but I haven't had to do much with my good cars. I'm thinking my CTS-V may need some new pads at some point, and my C5 has 50k miles so will probably need new pads as well.
I know everyone loves hawk pads, but I don't do any tracking, my cars are for fun transportation and spirited weekend driving only.
Will I be fine going with the autozone Duralast Gold semi/mettalic pads? Are they at least as good as OEM pads? They are the best autozone offers, but are cheaper then my dealership (but what isn't). The Hawk pads were going to cost me $180 for my V and the autozoners are $76.
Any help????
Thanks,
Jay
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
You need to know what you are getting for the price. Do the Autozone pads come with all the brake hardware or do you just get pads? The GM pad kits come with the pads, the pad gliding plates for the caliper brackets, antirattle springs and new caliper guide pin bolts. Autozone probably charges extra for those or will tell you to go to the dealer. You should be able to talk your dealer into giving you a discount or you can give Gene Culley a call to see what he will charge.
Bill
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 139
From: center of Kalifornia
I just installed the Raybestos ceramic pads on all 4 wheels, came with some hardware, no pins. Seems like less dust and happy with performance, but have not been to Laguna Seca lately, or ever.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Davenport IA
Thanks Bill, this is exactly what I was looking for. Every pad kit I've ever bought has been just the pads. I've never replaced anything other then pads, are all those other items you mentioned typical wear items that should be replaced with every brake job?
I checked Gene's website, and the front pad kit for my V was $107, which is still $70 higher then the autozone quote... I'm guessing the extra parts you mentioned don't add up to $70, so do you think the material is that much better in the OEM pads?
I know no one can know the definitely answer on which is better without doing comparison testing, just looking for educated opinions.
Jay
I checked Gene's website, and the front pad kit for my V was $107, which is still $70 higher then the autozone quote... I'm guessing the extra parts you mentioned don't add up to $70, so do you think the material is that much better in the OEM pads?
I know no one can know the definitely answer on which is better without doing comparison testing, just looking for educated opinions.
Jay
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Davenport IA
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
If you're ever going to Laguna Seca, make sure you DO NOT run ceramic pads. Brake fade into turn 2 is NOT something you ever want to experience, and you will after a couple of laps on that track !!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Thanks Bill, this is exactly what I was looking for. Every pad kit I've ever bought has been just the pads. I've never replaced anything other then pads, are all those other items you mentioned typical wear items that should be replaced with every brake job?
I checked Gene's website, and the front pad kit for my V was $107, which is still $70 higher then the autozone quote... I'm guessing the extra parts you mentioned don't add up to $70, so do you think the material is that much better in the OEM pads?
I know no one can know the definitely answer on which is better without doing comparison testing, just looking for educated opinions.
Jay
I checked Gene's website, and the front pad kit for my V was $107, which is still $70 higher then the autozone quote... I'm guessing the extra parts you mentioned don't add up to $70, so do you think the material is that much better in the OEM pads?
I know no one can know the definitely answer on which is better without doing comparison testing, just looking for educated opinions.
Jay
The OEM pads are very good but I cannot make a comparison to the Autozone pads. You do not necessarily need to change the hardware but after 50K miles it may not hurt to do so. The guide plates take the most abuse with the trailing plate getting most of the wear since the pad is forced into it and slides across it whenever the brakes are applied.
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 139
From: center of Kalifornia
I do not drive it hard enough to get to a point where the brakes would be an issue. When it drive in the mountains around here, Yosemite etc. I do alot of down shifting and never push it that hard. It seems as good as OEM at least. Reybestos has been around many years. The real race track type of metallic brake isn't good for the street. Had them many years ago.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,329
Likes: 0
go to raceconcepts.net --get ben's phone number and give him a call-he's in Calif. I've replaced pads and rotors many times -I go from street to track and back to street. I just needed the pads and occasionally I change the bolts for the calipers but not everytime.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
From: DFW tx
I had ceramic pads and hated them. Sure the wheels stayed cleaner, but it took quite a bit more pressure to stop. When they got hot, things were even worse. Went back to the stock pads and will never consider ceramics again.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Davenport IA
Thanks again!
Jay
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Lake Stevens WA
Exact same experience I had with ceramic pads on my Grand National. No way am I putting them on the Vette.